T-Mobile has a new device to bring connectivity to vehicles

BI Intelligence
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T-Mobile recently introduced a new device that will transform its cars into Wi-Fi hotspots, according to Engadget. Known as the SyncUP Drive, it will be available on November 18 of this year and will be priced at $149.99, or free after bill credits when users tie it to a 24-month plan with at least 2 GB of data.

The SyncUP Drive plugs into vehicles' on-board diagnostics (OBD) port and can support up to five wireless devices on its network. This means that it should be compatible with any nonelectric or hybrid vehicle made after 1996. In addition, the device can also track driver behavior, monitor vehicle location via GPS, and give vehicle owners instant updates through its companion mobile application if there are any indications of a vehicle systems failure.

Despite its features, T-Mobile could struggle to establish itself in this market, as competitors Verizon and AT&T already offer similar devices. While it does make sense for T-Mobile to offer a device to bring Wi-Fi hotspots to vehicles, it's entering a market that its competitors have had a presence in since last year.

Compounding these potential issues is the fact that many automakers are now connecting all of their new vehicles, which means that consumers may not want to pay for hardware with such a limited period of usefulness.

Over the past year, there has been a significant uptick in the number of connected cars on the road. And as internet integration becomes more commonplace, the automobile as we know it will transform.

Over the next five to 10 years, this internet integration is expected to change the car ownership model, create a new platform for consumers to access content, lead to fully autonomous vehicles, and revolutionize the auto industry.

The market position of the car today is similar to where the smartphone was in 2010 — it's just taken off and is ready to explode.

John Greenough, senior research analyst for BI Intelligence, Business Insider's premium research service, has compiled a detailed report on the transformation of the automobile that examines the transformation of the automobile. It also analyzes all areas of the changing automotive market, including the market size for connected cars, automakers benefits and connection strategies, market leaders, consumer demand, and more.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the report:

Over 380 million connected cars will be on the road by 2021. The market has seen a significant increase in automakers plans to connect the majority of the vehicles they sell and as a result, we've increased our 2015 forecast.

Automakers are connecting the vehicles they sell because the connection offers clear business opportunities.

Consumers are adopting the connected car faster than expected. We identify the 3 factors that causing the increase in demand.

Tech companies will play a major role in the future of the automotive market. The big question is whether tech companies will eventually manufacture cars?

Fully autonomous cars are only a few years away. Technological, regulatory, and consumer adoption hurdles still remain, but there have been many strides towards a car that can drive itself from point A to point B with little to no human interaction.

In full, the report:

Forecasts connected car shipments

Identifies automakers strategy for connection

Analyzes consumer interest in the connected car

Examines Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Discusses the potential changing car ownership model

Describes the evolution of the self-driving car

Identifies top connected car and fully autonomous car barriers

To get your copy of this invaluable guide, choose one of these options:

Subscribe to an ALL-ACCESS Membership with BI Intelligence and gain immediate access to this report AND over 100 other expertly researched deep-dive reports, subscriptions to all of our daily newsletters, and much more. >> START A MEMBERSHIP

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The choice is yours. But however you decide to acquire this report, you've given yourself a powerful advantage in your understanding of connected cars.